AimsThe aims of this project were to: 1. Ascertain local perceptions about Vitamin D. 2. Raise awareness about Vitamin D and its health effects. 3. Explore how health information is obtained by members of the local community. 4. Use local views to help direct future public health policy. Methods Mothers attending a local community centre were invited to participate in an interactive discussion and teaching session with local paediatricians about Vitamin D. Data were collected on demographics of the group, awareness of Vitamin D sources, and where they obtained health information.Participants were asked to feedback on the information gained from the session. Responses were collated and thematic analysis used to identify key themes. Results 47 people attended the focus group. The group was mainly female and aged between 12-84 years. 33 (70%) participants were South Asian. The remainder were Black African or White. At the start of the session, 23 (50%) participants were aware of Vitamin D. 19 (40%) participants were aware of its sources and only 8 (17%) knew about the consequences of insuffi ciency. 12 (25%) of the group spent less than 1 h in the sun daily. Three major themes emerged during and following the session from the participants: 1. Improved awareness of sources of Vitamin D.2. Improved knowledge about the consequences Vitamin D defi ciency. 3. Increased awareness of national Vitamin D recommendations. Participants suggested word-of-mouth, community websites and the local Gujarati newspapers as preferred information sources. GP and NHS branded materials were perceived as reliable and accurate sources. Participants reported that confl icting information given by health professionals and the use of jargon caused confusion and worry. The group reported specifi cally not being told about the importance of Vitamin D in breastfeeding infants and children.

Background Gaining communication skills with adolescents is a competency required by all paediatric trainees. Effective communication involves the ability to listen and empower adolescents to discuss and decide on sensitive or complex issues impacting on their health. Aims To gain communication skills with adolescents by doing school health visits that provide information about the hospital and facilitate discussion on health topics and life style issues raised by young people themselves. Methods Paediatric trainees carried out 2-3 school visits over 6 months during their child health rotation. Initially visits targeted a school for vulnerable adolescents at risk of school exclusion. Subsequently visits expanded to two mainstream schools. Workshops were discussed with schools and presented to parents and students as part of health promotion within Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) lessons. In pairs registrars did 45 min workshops introducing adolescents to their local paediatric team and hospital using different approaches, including a short video of the hospital. This was followed by a discussion on health and life style topics raised by the young people themselves. A self reporting semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all registrars involved to seek their views on the skills gained by participating in this project. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was carried out. Results To date 17 paediatric registrars over 2 years have participated in these school visits. A response rate of 100% was achieved. 90% considered they had gained skills to communicate effectively with adolescents;80% felt they had better understanding of how the school environment impacts on young people (including impact of peer relationships) and 80% considered they had been provided with an opportunity to participate in health education. Trainees' comments on their individual learning were categorised into different themes. The most common theme was the increased understanding of adolescents' needs and the training value of talking to adolescents in their own 'comfort' zone. Trainees suggested ideas to improve further the educational value of the school visits. Conclusion Paediatric trainees involved in school health workshops self-report gaining experience in competencies towards effective communication with adolescents. Trainees also considered that these school visits were a valuable learning opportunity to improve their understanding of young people's health needs.